This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
On October 30, 2019, Tanzanian comedian Idris Sultan posted Photoshopped pictures of President John Pombe Magufuli on his Twitter account, wishing him a happy birthday.
The pictures showed Idris's head superimposed on the president's body, sparking a viral reaction.
However, the post did not go unnoticed by the authorities. Dar es Salaam regional commissioner Paul Makonda ordered Idris to report to any police station near him, accusing him of violating a section of the cybercrime Act.
Many rights activists have criticized the law as infringing on freedom of expression, with some taking to social media to support the comedian.
Idris Sultan is now being held by police for his satirical post, which has sparked a heated debate on social media.
Change Tanzania tweeted, 'Tumekuwa nchi ya kulizwa leo tena tuna msaani kawekwa ndani kwa namna tu alivyomtumia kheri ya kuzaliwa Raisi JP Magufuli.'
Human rights activist Zitto Kabwe Ruyagwa also weighed in, saying, 'Ninalaani vikali unyanyasaji dhidi ya Msanii @IdrisSultan akifanya kazi yake ya kisanii.'
